Residents in Ventnor have reported several thefts of catalytic converters from parked cars in the town.
The news was shared on social media to warn others to be on their guard.
In response to the post, several other residents also reported thefts of catalytic converters from cars in other parts of the Island.
Why are they stolen?
Catalytic converters are attached to the exhaust pipe on your vehicle to “remove potentially harmful compounds from the exhaust gases before they’re expelled into the air”.
It’s thought the reason they are stolen from cars is because catalytic converters contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.
This helpful report from RoadShow YouTube channel explains in more detail
How to avoid yours being stolen
These steps below, suggested by Militos Auto Repair, might help decrease the likelihood of having your catalytic converter being stolen:
- Park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances, when possible.
- Have a mechanic weld the catalytic converter to your car’s frame, making it harder to steal.
- Park your car inside your garage and keep all garage doors shut and locked.
- Set your car’s alarm to go off when it detects vibration.
- Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter — a scrap dealer might be alerted that it was stolen and this makes it easier to identify the owner.
Awaiting response
Isle of Wight Police told News OnTheWight,
“We are aware of the a number of reports of catalytic converter thefts on the Isle of Wight in recent days, including the following incidents.
- On 11 August it was reported to us that at some time between 6.25pm and 9.40pm that day, the catalytic converter had been taken from a blue Honda CR-V in Mountbatten Drive, Newport. Officer enquiries continue in relation to this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact us, quoting 44210319915.
- On 13 August it was reported to us that at some time between 6pm on 11 August and 10am on 12 August, the catalytic converter had been taken from a silver Honda HR-V in Park Avenue, Ventnor. This incident has currently been filed pending further lines of enquiry becoming available to us.
- On 17 August it was reported to us that a few hours earlier, at midnight on 16 August, the catalytic converter had been taken from a Mitsubishi Colt in Steephill Down Road, Ventnor. This incident has currently been filed pending further lines of enquiry becoming available to us.
“We are actively following all lines of enquiry around catalytic converter thefts in the area and ask anyone with information to contact us on 101 or report it online.”
For further advice about how to secure your vehicle from catalytic converter theft, please visit the Hampshire Constabulary Website.
Article edit
5.20pm 20th Aug 2021 – Update from Police added
Source: Ventnor Noticeboard and Militos Auto Repair
Image: sidewalk_flying under CC BY 2.0
